Global Summer of Discontent
The protests that swept across Nigeria in the summer of 2024, whether you choose to call them “Days of Rage”, “Hunger Protest”, or the “#EndBadGovernance Movement,” formally ended on Saturday, August 10, 2024. The final three days of the demonstrations were sombre, dedicated to mourning and honouring the brave souls who lost their lives in the struggle. As the nation begins to reflect on these events, three critical questions come to the forefront: Did these protests achieve their intended objectives? What tangible gains, if any, were secured? And, crucially, what comes next? These questions demand thorough examination and will undoubtedly be dissected in the days to come. If this movement can catalyse a shift in the trajectory of Nigerian politics, it may well be remembered as a watershed moment in our history.
Nigeria’s participation in what many are now calling the global “summer of discontent”, is not an isolated phenomenon. Across the world, democracies have been grappling with waves of protests, each characterised by unique local grievances, but all sharing a common thread: a deep dissatisfaction with the status quo. From the streets of London to Dhaka, Nairobi to Caracas, and from European capitals to cities in Zimbabwe, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Burundi, citizens have risen to demand change. These movements, though varied in their specifics, share a collective yearning for better governance and an end to systemic inequities. Yet, while these global protests resonate with a shared call for justice, Nigeria’s situation is distinct, shaped by its own set of economic challenges and political dynamics.
The #EndBadGovernance Protest: Triggers
The #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria was not triggered by a single event, but rather, by a complex interplay of factors, chief among them the public’s growing frustration with the Government’s handling of both the economy and national security. This toxic combination of economic mismanagement and pervasive insecurity, has led to unprecedented levels of hunger, anger, and poverty across the nation. The immediate catalysts for the protest was the removal of fuel subsidies and the sudden decision to float the Naira – two policies whose poor execution only exacerbated the nation’s already dire economic situation. These policies, rather than providing relief, plunged the country into deeper economic turmoil, igniting a wave of discontent that had been simmering for years. Now that the days of rage have ended, it is imperative to reflect on the journey, to assess the outcomes, and to consider the road ahead.
Were the Goals Achieved?
In the aftermath of the protests, it is natural to question whether they achieved their goals. The Government, as reflected in the President’s recent address, did not concede to any of the protesters’ demands, demands that were largely driven by a youthful and increasingly disillusioned populace. A superficial analysis might suggest that the protests failed, but such a conclusion would not only be premature, but also misleading. The focus of on hunger and the restoration of fuel subsidies as key issues were not an end, but rather a means to an end. From this perspective, the protests were indeed, a significant success, though perhaps, not in the most obvious ways.
It is important to recognise that many young Nigerians understand the necessity of removing fuel subsidies, as part of a broader strategy to revive an economy that has long been on life support. However, they also acknowledge the profound failures in the Government’s design and implementation of this policy – failures that have led to severe economic dislocation, affecting both the rich and the poor. The protests, therefore, were not simply about reversing a single policy, but about highlighting the broader inefficiencies that have characterised the current administration’s approach to governance.
The #EndBadGovernance protests succeeded in doing what few movements in recent memory have: they shone a glaring spotlight on the deep and pervasive discontent, with the current administration’s handling of the economy and governance more broadly. The protests delivered a clear and unequivocal message: the issues of corruption, the need for governance reform, and the demand for higher-quality leadership can no longer be ignored. The Government’s ineffectiveness in engaging with young people and the broader citizenry was laid bare for all to see, highlighting a significant disconnect between the rulers and the ruled. This disconnect is not new, but the protests brought it into sharp relief, galvanising public opinion against poor governance and demanding greater accountability from those in power.
For the government, these protests have also exposed the stark socioeconomic disparities and regional dynamics between the North and South of Nigeria. The protests highlighted the fact that the challenges facing the country are not uniform; they vary significantly from one region to another. While the South has seen relatively more economic development, the North remains mired in poverty, underdevelopment, and insecurity. This disparity is a ticking time bomb, and if left unaddressed, it could lead to even greater unrest in the future. I remain hopeful, however, that the Government will seize this opportunity to address these deep-seated issues, particularly in the North, where the demographic challenges pose a significant threat to national stability.
Going Forward
As we look to the future, this administration must embrace a new approach to governance – one that goes beyond mere protest management and instead seeks to engage citizens, particularly the youth, in meaningful dialogue and policymaking. Youth participation in governance is not just a desirable goal; it is an essential component of any strategy aimed at ensuring accountability and driving reform. The Government must also take decisive actions to reduce the cost of governance and replace its reactive, knee-jerk approach to policymaking with a more thoughtful, inclusive, and consultative process, particularly when it comes to major economic policies.
One of the most important lessons to emerge from the #EndBadGovernance protests, is the need for political leaders in countries like Nigeria, which are pursuing growth and development, to strike a delicate balance between the prescriptions of international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, and the welfare of their citizens. While these institutions often provide necessary financial support and guidance, their recommendations can sometimes be at odds with the immediate needs and realities of the local population. Governments have a duty to prioritise the well-being of their citizens above all else, even when this means pushing back against external pressures. It is time for our leaders to demonstrate that they value us, the citizens, above all else, and to take meaningful steps to ensure that our voices are heard, and our needs are met.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the #EndBadGovernance protest of 2024 have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian political landscape. The protest has set the stage for a new era of political engagement, one in which the voices of the people must be heard and respected.
